PROGRAM PLAN FY 2000

Transcription

1 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF FOREST ENVIRONMENT Protecting, managing and restoring the quality of Rhode Island s environment. Working to ensure healthy sustainable forests for RhodeIsland s future. PROGRAM PLAN FY 2000 DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 1

2 DIVISION OF FOREST ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM PLAN SUMMARY YEAR 2000 Division of Forest Environment's Mission: Working to ensure healthy sustainable forests for Rhode Island's future Duties of the Department of Environmental Management's Division of Forest Environment The Division of Forest Environment manages 40,000 acres of state-owned rural forestland. It coordinates a statewide forest fire protection plan, provides forest fire protection on state lands, assists rural volunteer fire departments and develops forest and wildlife management plans for private landowners who choose to manage their property in ways that will protect these resources on their land. The division promotes public understanding of environment conservation, enforces department rules and regulations on DEM lands and assists the federal government in providing landowner assistance programs. Moreover, the division mandates include: to monitor and recommend controls for forest insects and diseases, to monitor and manage dispersed recreational activities on state forestlands, to manage timber resources and conduct timer harvests on state forests, to ensure use of "best management practices" during timber harvests, to work with communities promoting urban tree health, to license arborists and to certify forestlands under the State's Farm, Forest and Open Space Act. WORK PROGRAM FY 2000 HIGHLIGHTS The following work program is a comprehensive compilation of strategies that will be employed to meet the Department's strategic priorities for FY Performance measures are also compiled and some environmental indicators have been identified where appropriate. By September of 1999, a quarterly reporting form will be developed that will be used by the division's staff to track progress towards meeting the objectives as well as the identified strategic bench marks. Priority focus areas for the division will be strengthening partnerships, working to enhance watersheds, improving our recreational infrastructure at Pulaski, George Washington Campground, and Bowdish Dam, and promoting the greening of our urban areas DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 2

3 through the promotion of the Urban Forestry Guide Plan, Element #156 that was passed by the State Planning Council in April of Key issues that frame our strategies include seeking ways to: mitigate forest fragmentation and parcelization, maintain forest health and promote stewardship on public and private land, protect homes and forests from catastrophic wildland fire, educate citizens on the benefits of conservation, and manage state lands to teach conservation by example. PARTNERSHIPS DFE has been a leading force in the creation of partnerships. When appropriate partners did not exist, the division played an active role in creating non-profit organizations to assist with program delivery. Involving citizens in program development and delivery has been a standard set by the division. Prime examples include: The Southern New England Forest Consortium, Inc. (SNEFCI), The Rhode Island Tree Council (RITC), the Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization (RIFCO), and the Rhode Island Rural Lands Coalition (RIRLC). Partnering with existing non-profits, such as, the Nature Conservancy, Audubon, the Rhode Island Fire Chief's Association, and the Rhode Island Environmental Education Association, as well as, partnering with other federal and state agencies has been the practice within the division. In FY 2000, DFE will continue to seek ways to enhance the capabilities of our partners by assisting with program delivery, seeking funds to assist with projects and jointly sponsoring a number of significant programs. Some examples of this include, continuation of the RI Tree Stewards Program through the RITC, a photo exhibit project on the forests of southern New England by SNEFCI, an urban forestry annual conference so-sponsored by the RITC, the Neighborwoods Awards Program conducted by SNEFCI, and the development of current use taxation values by a subcommittee of the State Conservation Committee under the leadership of the RIRLC. WATERSHEDS A watershed focus will be applied to DFE program activities in FY2000. To assist in implementing the watershed approach, a federal program section will be created within the division that will assist in delivering federal programs and watershed initiatives. The division played a major role in securing a Federal Grant for a Greenways Plan for the Wood- Pawcatuck. The $120,000 grant will be received in FY 2000 and will lay the groundwork for coordinating community open space needs in this watershed. The division will assist the RI Water Resource Board with the implementation of the Big River Watershed Management Plan by coordinating cutting plans throughout the watershed. The Forest Legacy Program has been built largely on a watershed approach and primary areas include the Scituate Watershed and Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed. In FY 2000 the division will seek to partner with the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association to promote our stewardship program for private landowners and the forest legacy programs. DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 3

4 FOREST HEALTH The health of Rhode Island's forest has been an on-going concern and focus of the division. Rhode Island's forests, although they are under pressure from fragmentation, insects and disease, as well as atmospheric stressors, are in large part healthy and have been growing at a rapid rate. The division has been cooperating with the US Forest Service on a number of critical programs. DFE collects data on forest health and the Forest Service performs the analysis. Ozone has been identified as causing damage in some Rhode Island forests. Recent field data collected for the 10 year inventory will be made available in FY 2000 and DFE will report the results. Preliminary data suggests that although we have fewer acres in forests, Rhode Island has more wood-fiber than at any time during the 20 th century. DFE will work to refine the data after analysis by the Forest Service and make the information available to all agencies and organizations. The division will work with the Forest Service as it develops the Forest Inventory and Monitoring Program which is being built to provide annualized data. Collection of insect and disease information will continue. URBAN FORESTS Improving the livability of our urban areas not only benefits urban residents, but it improves our capacity to protect rural lands. Working with Grow Smart Rhode Island, the Rural Lands Coalition and the Rhode Island Tree Council, the division will continue to provide grants to communities and assist cities and town with their tree related problems. Environmental justice requires us to examine our urban areas and focus tree planting in the areas of highest need. The RI Tree Council (RITC) will assist with this task and provide input to the division on recommended planting areas. Educating community leaders on the importance of community tree programs will be accomplished by providing information and workshops on the new Urban Forestry Guide Plan, Element #156. This document serves as a useful tool for developing community awareness of the importance of trees for making our environment more livable. With the assistance of the RITC, the state's guide plan will be promoted. FIRE We have been successful achieving our objectives of losing no homes to wildland fire and maintaining an average fire size of less than two (2) acres. The recent drought is cause for concern and will test our effectiveness. The division will train additional DEM staff on basic fire fighter training. Also, the division will seek to revitalize the Forest Fire Advisory Committee and will send a newsletter to fire chiefs to foster better communications. The Forestry Hose program will remain our priority suppression tactic and new hose will be acquired through the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant. DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 4

5 CONSERVATION EDUCATION The division will continue to maintain a Conservation Education Coordinator. In previous years, the Coordinator served as a vital link to the RI Environmental Education Association and will continue to do so. A Fall "Walk in the Woods" program will continue in cooperation with partners, SAF, RIFCO, and the RI Tree Farm Committee. Educational programs will be offered year round as before at appropriate locations. Educational programs will include activities, such as, an Arbor day Poster Contest (grade 5), conferences, workshops, Neighborwoods Awards Program, Tree Farmer of the Year, and various appearances of Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. In keeping with the Division's strategic objectives as outlined in the Department's 5 year plan, the Division has established the following strategies as integral components for achieving our 5 year program objectives. The following strategies will be employed in fiscal year 2000 to work towards the success of each objective: The numbers following each objective indicate connections to the 10 Department goals established with the strategic assessment. Numbers following each strategy reflect connections to the Director's strategic priorities for FY 2000 The Division continues to participate with many outside groups, such as, the Rural Lands Coalition, Southern New England Forest Consortium, and Rhode Island Tree Council to deliver environmental assistance through citizen involvement. The cultivation of partners and strengthening the ability of focused non-profits to direct conservation initiatives will be a primary focus. Objective 1. The growth and stewardship of Rhode Island's forests (both state and privately owned) results in increased productivity of timber resources, increased biodiversity of forested habitats and the continued protection of our state's water quality and quantity. 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 In the year 2000 the Division will: A. Continue to provide assistance to landowners with the management of their forest resources by engaging and assisting local non-profit organizations such as the Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization (RIFCO), the Southern New England Forest Consortium, Inc (SNEFCI), the Rural Lands Coalition (RLC), local land trusts and other organizations. 3, 6, 10 DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 5

6 B. Establish a "Federal Programs" section within the Division that will assist in delivering and actively competing for Federal Program dollars that focus on improving forest resources. 5, 9, 10 C. Develop informational materials through Federal Program funds that focus on alternative Forest product opportunities for landowners throughout Rhode Island. 6, 10 D. Apply Federal Forest Service grant dollars appropriated through the Federal Clean Water Act towards improving land protection strategies within the Wood- Pawcatuck Watershed, engaging communities in pursuing forestry solutions to environmental concerns. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 E. Partner with the Rhode Island Water Resources Board to begin implementation of their Management Plan to promote silvicultural improvements on the 8,500 acre watershed. 5, 6, 8 F. Focus on timber sale opportunities on state forest lands to improve forest health by removing diseased red pine resources and ensuring adequate regeneration of native species. 8 G. Promote the Forest Legacy Program, funded through federal dollars, by offering forest landowners the opportunity to sell development rights on critical forested lands. 3, 6 H. Continue to monitor the health of Rhode Island's forests through annual survey programs and promote the findings of the Forest Inventory and Analysis report that will be issued in the year , 3 I. Continue to assist private landowners achieve their forest management goals connecting landowners with consultants and the forest products industry. 3, 6 J. Assist the forest products industry by reviewing logging sites throughout the state and monitoring the use of prescribed best management practices thereby protecting water quality and eliminating regulatory burdens. 1, 4 K. Partner with the Wood Pawcatuck Association, land trusts, and the Providence Water Supply Board and Forest Legacy Programs. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 L. The Division will work to ensure that a sustainable forestry element is incorporated into watershed plans. 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 Possible Performance Measures for Annual Data Collection! Number of "Intent to Cut" plans filed! Volume of timber reported for "Intent to Cut" plans DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 6

7 ! Acres acquired through Forest Legacy! Acres negotiating through Forest Legacy! Number of acres in new stewardship plans! Organizations assisted through Stewardship Programs! State timber sales prepared! Acres of forest land at risk -- (insects and disease)! Industry assists on logging sites! On ground landowner technical assistance! Referrals to forestry consultants! Grants to organizations and grant requests supported on behalf of private organizations The passage by the State Planning Council of the Urban Forestry Guide Plan, Element #156 in 1999 was a major success that needs to be communicated effectively to all Rhode Island cities and towns. Objective 2. The quality of life within all 39 of Rhode Island's cities and towns is improved through coordinated efforts to enhance urban and community forests and community tree resources. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 In the year 2000, the Division will: A. Promote and distribute the state's Urban Forestry Guide Plan element #156 passed by the State Planning Council in 1999 through meetings with communities, community officials, community groups and conducting a workshop for community officials. 1, 3, 6, 8, 10 B. Continue to partner with community tree groups, the RI Tree Council, and communities through the promotion of arbor day events, tree planting ceremonies, planning programs, an annual urban forestry conference, urban forestry workshops and field tours. 3, 6, 10 C. Transfer information on the value of urban forest resources through partnering efforts with tree groups, providing education opportunities through tree steward workshops, an arbor day poster contest, arborists workshops, and Tree City USA community awards. 3, 6, 10 D. Conduct a conservation education program that will provide opportunities for students to learn the value of trees and forests by conducting walk-in-the-woods programs, assisting with the annual RI envirothon and providing educational outreach opportunities at shows and fairs. 6, 8, 10 DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 7

8 E. Distribute urban forestry grants to communities and non-profit groups for the planning of urban forest resources, tree planting activities and tree maintenance programs. 1, 3, 6, 10 F. Conduct a tree seedling sales program affording citizens the opportunity to reforest Rhode Island landscapes. 1, 3 G. Actively engage the RI Tree Council that serves as the state's urban forestry advisory council on needs to enhance opportunities for securing non-governmental financial resources for expanding urban forestry efforts. 6 H. License arborists. 7 Possible Performance Measures for Annual Data Collection! Cities and towns assisted through Urban Forestry Partnerships! Dollars distributed to communities and groups to enhance tree resources! Community dollars matching urban forestry grants! Total urban trees planted! Cities and town with "Project Level", "Formative Level", "Developmental Level", or "Sustained Level" Programs! Conservation education programs given! Number of citizens directly benefiting from education programs! Urban Forestry workshops held! Tree seedlings sold! Arborists trained/licensed! Program coordination between DFE and the fire departments will increase through efforts to revitalize the Forest Fire Advisory Committee and developing a newsletter for departments. DFE will coordinate the development of a State-wide fire hazard analysis with the US Forest Service. Objective 3. No homes are lost to wildland fires and the average forest fire is contained to less than 2 acres. 3, 5, 7 In the year 2000 the Division will: A. Continue to aggressively fight forest fires through coordinated efforts with local fire departments. 1, 3 B. Maintain as a top priority the servicing and supply of sta-flow synthetic forestry hose for use by local departments on direct attack of wildland fires. 3, 6 DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 8

9 C. Continue to monitor fire weather, maintain fire records, and transfer fire weather reports to local departments in each district ensuring fire policy is consistently applied. 3, 10 D. Seek training opportunities to enhance on the ground fire fighting capability through the RI Fire Academy and other sources. 6 E. Partner with the US Forest Service, through cooperative agreements, to enable local departments to acquire fire fighting equipment utilizing the Government Surplus Administration (GSA). 6 F. Strengthen local volunteer fire fighting efforts through continued use of the Federal Excess Personal Property Program, allowing local fire companies to have loaned federal equipment for fire fighting purposes. Presently over $1.6 million in equipment is on loan. 6 G. Strengthen our communication mechanisms with fire departments by increasing participation of fire chiefs on the Forest Fire Advisory Committee, a committee of the Rhode Island Fire Chief's Association. 6, 10 H. Communicate with all departments through a newsletter. 6, 10 I. Continue efforts with our federal partners to train and provide personnel resources during fire emergencies through interagency cooperative agreements. 6 J. Begin a process of hazard analysis for the state that will identify critical areas during extreme fire conditions. 3 K. Continue to support and participate in the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission to ensure Rhode Island's ability to secure resources from other states and Canadian Provinces during fire emergencies. 3, 6 L. Amend prescribed Fire Policy M. Conduct two prescribed burns to enhance wildlife habitat Possible Performance Measures for Annual Data Collection! Homes lost to forest fires! Average forest fire size! Number of fires/acres burned! Percentage of forest fires under 2 acres! Dollar value of equipment loans to fire departments! Forestry hose supplied, serviced, and loaned to municipal departments! Forest fire suppression/community costs DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 9

10 ! Meetings with Forest Fire Advisory Committee! Fire training exercises held. Major efforts to improve the Pulaski Park, George Washington Campground, and Bowdish Dam through the Capital Improvement Budget is underway and will be ongoing during FY Coordination of recreation activities with the Trail Advisory Committee will remain a primary focus of the Recreation Program. Objective 4. State forest lands are continually managed to provide a variety of recreational uses while minimizing conflicts between users. 1, 2, 6, 9 In the year 2000, the Division will: A. Continue the use of management councils (Arcadia and the Northwest Management Council) to coordinate recreational permits and state land improvement projects. 3, 4, 6, 10 B. Continue to partner with various user groups through a coordinated department effort to utilize the state Trail Advisory Committee as an advisor for recreational use issues, policy, and recreational grants to communities and groups. 3, 4, 6, 10 C. In coordination with the state's capital budget plan, proceed with improvements to Pulaski, George Washington Campground and the repair of Bowdish Dam (a top Division priority). D. Maintain state forest recreation areas through a program of trail maintenance, road repairs, and infrastructure improvements. E. Enforce recreational use policy on state lands through the use of forest rangers to patrol, manage, and protect state land resources. Possible Performance Measures for Annual Data Collection! Recreational Special Use Permits issued! Recreational groups assisted! Dollar value of grants distributed through the Trail Advisory Committee! Progress towards completing Capitol Projects--Bowdish Dam, Pulaski, George Washington Campground! Miles of trails maintained by trail class (vehicle, hiking, horseback, mountain bike, other)! Number of arrests, written warnings, immediate compliance reports DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 10

11 RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN - OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment Mission of Program, Office or Division -- Working to ensure healthy and sustainable forest for Rhode Island's future Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives) The Division continues to participate with many outside groups, such as, the Rural Lands Coalition, Southern New England Forest Consortium, and Rhode Island Tree Council to deliver environmental assistance through citizen involvement. The cultivation of partners and strengthening the ability of focused non-profits to direct conservation initiatives will be a primary focus. OBJECTIVE 1: The growth and stewardship of RI's forests (both State and private) results in increased productivity of timber resources, increased biodiversity of forested habitats and the continued protection of our State's water quality and quantity. Environmental Indicators Sustainable rural based business initiated STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures Provide assistance to landowners by engaging and assisting local nonprofits, land trusts and community groups. Partner with the Wood- Pawcatuck Association, local land trusts, and the Providence Water Supply Board to ensure strong forest legacy projects. Grants to organizations supported. $ Value of grants to non-profits. Non-profit meetings attended Joint State/non-profit programs Acres acquired -- Forest Legacy Acres negotiating -- Forest Legacy # Legacy applications -- Fall 1999 $ Value of legacy requests Acres permanently protected DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 11

12 Engage Wood-Pawcatuck communities to pursue forestry solutions to environmental concerns--greenways Plan funded by the US Forest Service. Develop information materials that focus on alternative forest product opportunities for landowners Grant received -- Summer 1999 Communities assisted -- workshops Draft plan outlined -- July, 2000 Acres of community financed open space Grant received (USDA Forest Service)--Summer 1999 Information sheets prepared (6) - - Spring 2000 Workshops held (2) RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN - OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment Mission of Program, Office or Division -- Working to ensure healthy and sustainable forest for Rhode Island's future Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives) ) The Division continues to participate with many outside groups, such as, the Rural Lands Coalition, Southern New England Forest Consortium, and Rhode Island Tree Council to deliver environmental assistance through citizen involvement. The cultivation of partners and strengthening the ability of focused non-profits to direct conservation initiatives will be a primary focus OBJECTIVE 2: The growth and stewardship of RI's forests (both State and private) results in increased productivity of timber resources, increased biodiversity of forested habitats and the continued protection of our State's water quality and quantity Environmental Indicators: Forest habitat improved STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures* Establish a federal programs section within the Division to Assist in delivering programs Section created Fall of 1999 pending approval of position DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 12

13 Partner with the RI Water Resources Board to assist with implementing the Big River Management Plan Continue removal of diseased Red Pine on State lands Continue assistance to private landowners to achieve forest improvement goals Timber sales prepared -- Fall 1999 Volume of timber bid -- Fall 1999 Timer income to State Forestry Fund Acres harvested FY 2000Acres of Big River at beneficial stocking levels % Acres of habitat improvement Acres harvested FY 2000 Timber sales prepared (1) --Fall 1999 Volume of timer harvested Timber income to State Forestry Fund Acres of habitat improvement Declining acres of diseased stands of Red Pine on State lands On the ground landowner assists Acres in new stewardship plans Landowner referrals to Forestry Consultants landowners assisted Acres of private forest under management Percent of forest under management Percent of forest land DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 13

14 RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN - OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment Mission of Program, Office or Division -- Working to ensure healthy and sustainable forest for Rhode Island's future Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives) ) The Division continues to participate with many outside groups, such as, the Rural Lands Coalition, Southern New England Forest Consortium, and Rhode Island Tree Council to deliver environmental assistance through citizen involvement. The cultivation of partners and strengthening the ability of focused non-profits to direct conservation initiatives will be a primary focus OBJECTIVE 3: The growth and stewardship of RI's forests Environmental Indicators Increased productivity of RI s timber resources (both State and private) results in increased productivity of timber resources, increased biodiversity of forested habitats and the continued protection of our State's water quality and quantity. STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures* Monitor health of RI forests through annual survey programs Acres of forest surveyed 400,000 Acres FY 2000 Acres of forest at risk Assist forest industry by reviewing logging sites, ensuring use of BMPs Assist State Conservation Committee with determining taxation values for Farm, Forest, and Open Space Act "Intent to Cut" plans filed-- 50 Volume of timber reported -- 3MM Board Feet Number of Businesses assisted -- 30Viable complaints of ecological damage from timber harvesting Ratio of harvested acres reported/ri annual harvest Taxation sub-committee formed -- Fall 1999 Methodology developed by June 2000 Acres within farm,,forest, open space DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 14

15 Sustainable Forestry elements will be incorporated into watershed plans Forestry strategies addressed in watershed plans RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN - OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment Mission of Program, Office or Division Working to ensure healthy, sustainable forest for Rhode Island's future. Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives) The passage by the State Planning Council of the Urban Forestry Guide Plan, Element #156 in 1999 was a major success that needs to be communicated effectively to all Rhode Island cities and towns. Promotion of the State Guide Plan Element will be a major focus in FY OBJECTIVE 4: The quality of life within all 39 of Rhode Island's cities and towns is improved through coordinated efforts to enhance urban and community forests and community tree resources. Environmental Indicators Improved coordinated efforts STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures Promote and distribute the Urban Forestry Guide Plan through meetings with community officials, groups, and organizations. Partner with community tree groups, Tree Council, and communities by promoting tree planting, urban forestry workshops and field tours Communities assisted Groups assisted Guide Plan printed/distributed FY 2000 Urban trees planted PMAS performance level of RI communities 75% to project level FY 2000 Workshops held and field tours DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 15

16 Promote the Tree Stewards Program by partnering with the Tree Council and conducting awards programs for Arbor Day Poster Contest and Tree City, etc Tree stewards trained Urban Forestry awards Conservation education programs are offered to provide citizens with forestry information Conservation education programs FY 2000 Student hours FY 2000 RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN - OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment Mission of Program, Office or Division Working to ensure healthy, sustainable forest for Rhode Island's future. Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives) The passage by the State Planning Council of the Urban Forestry Guide Plan, Element #156 in 1999 was a major success that needs to be communicated effectively to all Rhode Island cities and towns. Promotion of the State Guide Plan Element will be a major focus in FY OBJECTIVE 5: The quality of life within all 39 of Rhode Island's cities and towns is improved through coordinated efforts to enhance urban and community forests and community tree resources. Environmental Indicators STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures* Partner with RI Tree Council to distribute Urban Forestry Grants to communities and groups Conduct a tree seedling sales program for reforestation Grants to communities and groups $ Value of Grants -- $90K FY 2000 $ Value of match to grants Trees distributed -- 65,000 FY 2000 Landowners assisted FY 2000 DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 16

17 Actively support the RI Tree Council and assist with program delivery Tree Council meetings attended Man hours for Tree Council $ Value of grants to Tree Council License and train arborists Arborists licensed 500 FY 2000 Arborist workshops held 2 FY 2000 Seat hours at workshops RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment Mission of Program, Office or Division Working to ensure healthy, sustainable forests for Rhode Island s future Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives Program coordination between DFE and the fire departments will increase through efforts to revitalize the Forest Fire Advisory Committee and developing a newsletter for departments. DFE will coordinate the development of a State-wide fire hazard analysis with the US Forest Service. OBJECTIVE 6: No homes are lost to wildland fire and the average fire is contained to less than two (2) acres Environmental Indicators STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures* Continue to aggressively fight fires through coordinated efforts with local departments Homes lost to wildland fire Average forest fire size -- < 2 acres Number of fires/acres burned % of fires under 2 acres 95% Acres burned DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 17

18 Maintain as a top priority the supply and maintenance of forestry hose for RI Departments Hose on loan to fire departments Hose serviced and returned Monitor fire weather at two locations and transfer information Conduct wildland fire fighting training exercises Daily fire weather reports Fire training workshop -- Fall of FY firefighters classroom hours Additional classroom hours RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN - OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment Mission of Program, Office or Division Working to ensure healthy, sustainable forests for Rhode Island's future Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives Program coordination between DFE and the fire departments will increase through efforts to revitalize the Forest Fire Advisory Committee and developing a newsletter for departments. DFE will coordinate the development of a State-wide fire hazard analysis with the US Forest Service. OBJECTIVE 7: No homes are lost to wildland fire and the average fire is contained to less than two (2) acres Environmental Indicators DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 18

19 STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures* Partner with US Forest Service to enable local departments to acquire equipment through GSA Fire Departments solicited Fire Departments signing cooperative agreement Continue promotion of FEPP Program partnering with Fire Departments Conduct meetings of the Forest Fire Advisory Committee and increase participation Develop a newsletter to be distributed to all Fire Departments Departments with equipment on loan $ Value of equipment on loan Number of Departments inventoried FY Meetings -- Fall, and Spring -- FY 2000 Fire Chief attendance Newsletter mailed to all departments, April, FY 2000 RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN - OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources XXII. Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment XXIII. Mission of Program, Office or Division Working to ensure healthy, sustainable forests for Rhode Island's future XXIV. Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives Program coordination between DFE and the fire departments will increase through efforts to revitalize the Forest Fire Advisory Committee and developing a newsletter for departments. DFE will coordinate the development of a State-wide fire hazard analysis with the US Forest Service. DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 19

20 OBJECTIVE 8: No homes are lost to wildland fire and the average fire is contained to less than two (2) acres Environmental Indicators STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures Continue to train and utilize resources for interagency cooperative fire agreements Resources mobilized Man hours on loan Classroom hours Conduct a hazard analysis and coordinate data with federal sources Support and participate in activities of the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission Data submitted for analysis Preliminary report prepared -- Summer 1999 Committees assisted Compact man hours Compact training exercises Amend prescribed fire policy and conduct 2 prescribed burns Winter FY Policy amended Spring of prescribed burns Acres of habitat improvement RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN - OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment Mission of Program, Office or Division Working to ensure healthy, sustainable forests for Rhode Island's future Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives Major efforts to improve the Pulaski Park, George Washington Campground, and Bowdish Dam through the Capital Improvement Budget is underway and will be ongoing during FY Coordination of recreation activities with the Trail Advisory Committee will remain a primary focus of the Recreation Program. DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 20

21 OBJECTIVE 9: State forest lands are continually managed to provide a variety of recreational uses while minimizing conflict between users Environmental Indicators STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures* Continue to use management councils (Arcadia, Northwest) to coordinate recreational activities Continue to support and partner with user groups through a Trail Advisory Committee Recreational use permits issued Recreational groups assisted Management Council meetings held Grants distributed to trail groups Proceed with improvements to recreation facilities -- Pulaski, George Washington, Bowdish Dam Maintain recreation areas through a comprehensive program of infrastructure maintenance, and volunteer coordination $ Value of grants -- $ Value of match Trail Advisory Committee man hours GIS maps developed FY 2000 (Arcadia) On site progress -- construction begun FY 2000 Miles of trails maintained by class -- vehicle -- hiking -- horseback Number of groups partnering to assist RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FY2000 WORK PLAN - OFFICE OF Bureau of Natural Resources Program Name and Description: Division of Forest Environment Mission of Program, Office or Division Working to ensure healthy, sustainable forests for Rhode Island's future Program highlights (2-3 sentences on status; major successes, major problems, major initiatives Major efforts to improve the Pulaski Park, George Washington Campground, and Bowdish Dam through the Capital Improvement Budget is underway and will be ongoing during FY Coordination of recreation activities with the Trail Advisory Committee will remain a primary focus of the Recreation Program. DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 21

22 OBJECTIVE 10: State forest lands are continually managed to provide a variety of recreational uses while minimizing conflict between users Environmental Indicators STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Performance Measures* Enforce recreational use and State management, area regulations on State forest land Number of arrests Number of written warnings Immediate compliance Reports Develop written recreational management protocols for intensive use areas during extreme weather conditions Draft policy -- Summer 1999 Final draft -- Winter 2000 *See attached definitions DRAFT- Last printed 10/1/99 8:47 AM Page 22